The University Council (Consu) of Unicamp granted, this Wednesday (23/3), the diploma of Professor Emeritus to Carlos Alfredo Joly, retired full professor from the Institute of Biology (IB). Joly was a pioneer in studies on modern plant ecophysiology in the country and one of the creators of the Research Program on Characterization, Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity. The Biota-Fapesp Program made important contributions to scientific advancement and the development of policies in favor of biodiversity.
The ceremony was attended by Rector Antonio José de Almeida Meirelles, General Coordinator Maria Luiza Moretti, IB director, professor André Freitas, and professor Sandra Guerreiro, Joly's godmother. IB teachers, family and friends of the new Professor Emeritus also attended the event in the Consu room.
"It's an honor to receive this title from an institution that has been in my heart since I decided to join it", commented Joly when revisiting his experience at Unicamp. Graduated in Biology from the University of São Paulo (USP) in 1976, he has a master's degree from Unicamp (1979) and a PhD in plant ecophysiology from the University of St. Andrews, in Scotland (1982). Since 1997, he has been a full professor at IB in the area of plant ecology.
Throughout his career, he published more than 120 scientific works and 13 books. As a supervisor, he graduated 28 masters and 26 doctors. At IB, he was coordinator of the postgraduate programs in Ecology and Plant Biology and head of the Department of Plant Biology in the periods 1987-1989 and 2006-2010. He worked on the implementation of the Postgraduate Program in Environment and Society, at the Institute of Philosophy and Human Sciences (IFCH) and was its coordinator. He was also dean of Postgraduate Studies between 1996 and 1998. He also actively participated in the Human Ecology Center of the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FCM) and the Environmental Studies and Research Center (Nepam).
Carlos Joly developed intense work formulating public policies for biodiversity. Between 1978 and 1979, he participated in the movement to regulate the profession of biologist. In 1988, he contributed to the writing of the chapter on the environment of the Federal Constitution. He was a member of the State Secretariat for the Environment of São Paulo and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, in addition to participating in the creation of the Intergovernmental Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, maintained by the United Nations. Today, he is a member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC), the Academy of Sciences of the State of São Paulo (Aciesp) and coordinator of the Brazilian Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. For his career as a researcher, he received several awards, including the Medal of Scientific Merit from the Federal Government.
"Today the inspiration for my work is my grandchildren. I hope we leave them a more sustainable world than the one we live in", reflected Joly upon receiving his diploma.
Biota-Fapesp and contribution to environmental policies
One of Joly's main contributions was the creation of the Research Program on Characterization, Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity (Biota-Fapesp). Created in 1999, the program played a fundamental role in mapping the biodiversity of the State of São Paulo and training researchers, in addition to influencing the development of public policies for the sector. "The program contributed to the creation of state laws that are urgent today. Science served as the basis for formulating public policies in an effective and practical way, not just theoretical. The legacy of the Biota Program is, perhaps, one of the most important for the State of São Paulo, and even for the country", highlighted André Freitas.
The General Coordinator and the Rector of Unicamp highlighted Joly's importance in areas of intersection between the academic world and society. "By going beyond the walls of the University, you take Unicamp along with you. Thus, it is recognized for its scientific universe in Brazil and abroad", highlighted Maria Luiza Moretti. "Your career is inspiring. I would like the students of the masters and doctors you trained, some of them professors at Unicamp, to follow in your footsteps."
"In the history of Unicamp we have trailblazers. People who planted seeds in the country's science, allowed revolutions to occur, promoted a discontinuity with the past to transform the future in a faster way. If we want a better world, we need to have the generosity to take this message out", commented Antonio Meirelles.